Stripping an athearn frame(or, removing a motor from an athearn engine)!?!?!?!

[Noah Hofrichter]

Group,

I have an Athearn GP38 that I plan on stripping soon and painting for another road. But I have a question. The frame of the model is painted grey(it's an SP engine), but I want it to be black. Now, I figure I'll have to paint it or strip it, which brings up a few questions our distinguished members:

1) Is removing the motor necessary, or could I probably mask the motor off well enough to avoid getting paint in it, if I just wanted to paint over it with a spray can? Could I wrap the motor in plastic wrap and masking tape of something?

2) If motor removing is necessary, how? I have really no clue where to start, so any help would be appreciated.

3) What's the best way to remove the paint off the metal (if necessary)? Will 91% alcohol do it?

I appreicate any answers anyone can provide,

Noah

[ShaunCN]

removing the engine would be much better than risking getting paint in it, Removign an athearn motor is not hard, there two ruber clips that hold the motor to the fuel tank and the drive shafts slide out from the gears in the trucks, i would say remove the paint off the frame with some light grit sand paper.

[camarokid]

Just rock that motor back and forth and it will just pop right out. I would use a small brush and paint stripper and go real slow on removing the paint. Brush it on, wait about a minute and then wipe it off and do it again. Don't forget to wa***he frame when you're done.
Archie

[Noah Hofrichter]

Thanks for the ideas, I didn't realize the motors come out so easy. I like the idea of brushing it on, but wht kind of stripper. Just regular paint thinner/stripper maybe?

Noah

[bogp40]

Be careful as not to damage the motor mounts, if they don't move easily when rocking side to side, then you need to push up on them from the bottom of the fuel tank. If you damage them or motor doesn't sit right on assembly, use Goo or RTV black silicone.
RTV works great for installing motors when doing repowering.even if you need to make a cradle.
Bob K.

[camarokid]

Sorry about that. Ordinary paint thinner . Wash with a good dish detergent(dawn).
Archie

[Noah Hofrichter]

Thanks to all then, I should be well prepared to start tomarrow, as that's my first day of Christmas break. I hope to get the model completely stripped tomarrow.

Noah

[Anonymous]

Noah, please see the info that I posted about a book put out by Model Railroading Magazine a few years back, you may find it interesting.